This would mark a pivotal step toward the reinstatement of civilian rule after seizing power through a coup in 2021.

Doumbouya, who has governed since overthrowing the country's first democratically elected president, provided no specific date for the referendum.

In his words, "In the new year, a new constitution which resembles us and brings us together will be submitted to a referendum."

He pledged a constitution that is "approved by the people and which is not a copy and paste but a constitution, which draws inspiration from the past to together build our future."

Doumbouya also disclosed that individuals appointed by the state would soon be designated to lead municipal councils, elected in 2018 with mandates expiring in the first few months of the upcoming year. Presently, a majority of these councils are led by officials affiliated with parties associated with the ousted civilian ex-president Alpha Conde or former prime minister Cellou Dalein Diallo, both of whom are critical of the military leadership.

Doumbouya said the announcements were due to a wish to “continue the considerable efforts to return to constitutional order through the organisation of free, democratic and transparent elections” respecting the timetable for a transition back to civilian rule.

Conde took office in 2010 after decades of authoritarian rule.

But he came under increasing fire after pushing through a constitutional reform that critics had argued was designed to allow him to run for a third term.

After taking power, Doumbouya, under international pressure, promised to hand the reins of government back to elected civilians by January 2026.

The September 2021 coup is among a string of putscheas and attempted coups in West Africa since 2020.